Everybody Hurts.

I am having a rough couple of, well, lets just say a rough time of it and sometimes it just seems that there is no light at the end of that tunnel. We have all been there to some degree, whether it is a fleeting moment of sadness, or full scale clinical depression, everybody hurts sometime. Some people seem to have a natural resilience to it, while others seem to utterly falter. Then there are those of us who have been fighting for so long, that the battle wears us down like shelter in a storm. We are strong at first, but eventually, the rain and winds wear us down, so there is just less and less of us there to keep it all together. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to keep it together, you just find yourself exposed and raw, fragile and overly sensitive to the world in general. This is where I find myself living lately, in that battered and broken place that has me hurting beyond hurt, and not sure if I can recover.



I didn't think I would be blogging again, certainly not in this mood, but I wanted to change my look in-world to show how I feel; the fragile and the broken, the worn and the weary. I started with a pair of distressed jeans from **[Riddle]**, and decided to see what my dear friend Neferia Abel of -L'Abel-had sent me of her new releases. This lovely Malin shirt, with it's fragile chiffon cuffs just worked for me. It is lovely, and I love to see Nef doing separates. I chose a pair of well worn and reworked boots from *REDGRAVE*, the absolutely brilliant Girls' Bikers have been overhauled to be even more perfect, as if that were possible. I adore that each boot is different, the worn twisted and well loved leather like a shield. The fragile and perfect KessKreations Karen Earrings are so lovely here, the customization script allowed me to match them to my look, and the fine prim work, which is not normally my 'cup of tea' is too precious and precise to be ignored. The ring is Paper Couture's Diamond and Rose Bouquet Ring. The final addition, was the handbag. I didn't have one I wanted to use, but I knew I hadn't been to Bare Rose Tokyo for ages, and know they have the most brilliant and inexpensive bags, so I popped on over and was in love on first sight with the Daisuki Bag, here in Brown. For a mere $140 LaLas, I was set, with a great bag, fabulous flexi and sculpted details, and 3 hold options.



I knew I wanted to return to this absolutely stunning T U L I Kalista crying skin, since I have been crying endlessly for days. It is flawless, and the non-crying versions are next in line once I save up my pennies, as they are lovely and have so many make-up options. I wanted a hair style that felt like it was sheltering me from the elements, that I could hide behind, but was still chic and precious. *Pazazz Hair* offers this stunning Riha wig in a brilliant choice of shades, this is from a solids pack. Lashes are from LeLeutka, and eyes are my precious treasured Miriel gems, that are unfortunately no longer available for sale.

Shopping Details:
Top - -L'Abel-, Malin Shirt, Antik
Jeans - **[Riddle]**, Classic Dirty, Plain
Earrings - KessKreations, Karen Earrings (Scripted to Zirconium, White Pearl, Champagne Gems)
Ring - Paper Couture, Diamond and Rose Bouquet Ring (Worn on R Hand)
Boots - [*RG*] *REDGRAVE*, Girls' Bikers RELOADED Smoke+Bronze
Bag - :::B@R:::, Daisuki (Brown, L Hand)
Hair - *Pazazz Hair*, Riha - Coal
Skin - T U L I, Kalista Fair 21
Eyes - Miriel, Standard Eyes - Sunlit Tree [No Longer Available]
Lashes - LeLutka (was MMS), Thora Lashes

Note: All Pictures Are Direct Screen Captures With No Post Editing, No Shading or Blending. They Are Taking On A Flat Prim Background With The Sun As The Only Light Source. Poses Are By The Amazing Pose Makers of SL, I Have Over 1200 So I Credit Them All Here. ~ Ketsy

Hold On To The Things You Love!

There is one thing I know for certain about my Second Life®, is that nothing is for certain. By that I mean that one day you discover a shop that has precisely your style of clothing, the kind of stuff you wish you could yank through the screen and wear out in your everyday life, and the next day, it is simply gone. Sometimes there is an explanation, a warning, a rationale, others, they simply disappear one day never to be seen again. Sometimes it is a matter of time and trends, people lose interest in the game or the product, and others it is the difficulty of keeping a business afloat in an over-saturated market. If you can't make enough to cover your rent, it is difficult to keep creating, and even more difficult to imagine that the situation will get better in the future. In my three plus years in Second Life®, I have seen a lot of fabulous shop disappear for a number of reasons, and it never gets easier. That is why I hold on to the things I love and treasure, and why my inventory is nearing the 45,000 items mark. How can I part with the items that are irreplaceable?



This look is what I call "Typical Kets". I love this sort of grunge, relaxed, cozy look. A lot of my favorites, some old, some new, and some irreplaceable. The top is from *Sprawl*, Pushbutton Skolnick's now near-defunct shop, and perhaps one of my all-time favorites. It is The Darko Tee, a little homage to Donnie Darko, as a film buff, I couldn't resist. I love that Pushbutton has always gone to the trouble of putting everything on every possible layer. The jeans are the uber adorable Surf Couture Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans in Grey that include the Blue Steaming Mug of Cocoa, and the cozy Parker Knit Boots in Black are also from [SC]. I adore this wrapped Soon Scarf from my girls at *Thimbles*, it is adorable and really cozy looking, and it comes in 5 different great knit colors. The Grey Knit Arm Warmers are from Argyle, another shop that seems to have vanished from the scene. The belt is one of the amazing masterpiece works from Maitreya.



The earrings are the first I ever purchased in-world, so their availability is somewhat unclear, and I didn't have enough time to hunt them down, they are from Drifting Sands which was a shop found under The Body Politik banner. I remember when I bought them I had no idea how to manipulate linked objects, and it took me forever to position them in my ears. The Uma Nose Stud is from Tickled Pink, a shop that has been gone for some time and is well missed. The adorable ring is a little bit of kitsch from Canimal, something I can never resist. The Bear Hug Novelty Ring has been referred to as the "Poo" ring by friends who think that is what it looks like from afar, I think it is hysterical!

Hair is from the newly re-opened WAKA and YUKI, which I could not resist visiting yesterday not just to scoop up the fab opening weekend gifts and try the lucky board, but because I couldn't remember shopping there before. I picked up this adorable NEW116 style while I was there, I think it is perfection in a messy casual up-do, my favorite. The skin is Emma Tan from *REDGRAVE*, my most realistic looking skin perhaps, and one I would have never tried if not for Anessa's urging. The Lashes are from MMS, now LeLutka, Thora Lashes, which I love, and the eyes are the stunning Miriel Realistic Muted Hazel Eyes. Again, I am most sad to say that we are no longer able to purchase Miriel's amazing work in-world.

So on Valentines Day, the day we celebrate love, show a little love by re-visiting your favorite shops and supporting your favorite content creators, before it's too late. They are too valuable to lose, and too precious to be taken for granted for even a second. Thank goodness for my messy but full inventory, and blog feeds, Plurk, and Avatars United, that lets me keep up with so many of my friends and on top of the news. If you haven't heard of Avatars United as of yet... you are missing out! It is the Facebook for avatars, recently acquired by Linden Labs®, that focuses squarely on your avatar, not on your RL identity, and therefore keeps your privacy to yourself while allowing you to make friends and network with avatars from SL and other MMOs. Find out more about it here http://www.avatarsunited.com . The add me to your friends list! http://www.avatarsunited.com/avatars/jhuzen-ketsugo . Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Shopping Details:
Top - *Sprawl*, The Darko Tee [Limited Items Available - Small Outlet Only]
Scarf - *Thimbles*, Soon Scarves (Grey Gold Blocks)
Arm Warmers - Argyle, Grey Knit Arm Warmers [No Location Found]
Belts - Maitreya, Old Leather Belt (Black)
Jeans - [SC] Surf Couture, Hot Cocoa Stained Jeans (Grey) - Includes Blue Cocoa Mug
Boots - [SC] Surf Couture, Parker Knit Boots (Black)
Earrings - Drifting Sands, Tunnel Multi Set Ear Piercing [By Poly Pavlova, The Body Politik]
Ring - Canimal, Canimal Novelty Rings (Bear Hug)
Nose - Tickled Pink, *Uma Nose Stud [No Longer Available]
Hair - WAKA and YUKI, New116 "TypeA"
Eyes - Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel) [No Longer Available]
Lashes - MMS now LeLutka, Thora Lashes
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, 08Emma Tan Skin *old rose*

I Just Haven't Met You Yet!

Well Whoopee! Another Valentines Day, another reason to eat chocolate and drink champagne alone in a hot bubble bath. Yes being single has it's perks. I am a sarcastic little bugger, I know it, and yes it would be really nice to say I was in love, but I am not. At least not in the mutual sort of way, which, let's face it folks, is the kind that tends to count. So to all my fellow singletons, I wish you the very happiest of Valentines Days, and always remember, if you don't love yourself, no one else will either. Just don't love yourself so much that you piss the rest of us off so that no one can stand you, it's all about balance.

This picture is a bit of a goof. I took it in a moment of sheer silliness, you have to understand my warped sense of humor. My sister Anessa Stine and I share a studio. She had this set up already, no doubt making sexy pictures for her sexy man. I decided to goof around on her prop, I find it comical, but then I find myself mostly hysterical, especially when I am sleep deprived and have consumed caffeine. Ask anyone who had heard me DJ, they say my laugh is the best part of my mic breaks. I am not certain it's a compliment, but then anything I can do to make others laugh pretty much makes my day. So being silly and sassy and hopeful for the future, I decided to listen to a sexy Canadian crooner while I took my blog shots today. A full set follows this post. Take it away Michael Buble'.



I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times,
I Stop Keeping Track.
Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up
And Then I Let Myself Down.

I Tried So Very Hard Not To Loose It
I Came Up With A Million Excuses
I Thought I Thought Of Every Possibility

And I Know Someday That It'll All Turn Out
You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

Mmmmm ....

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

Mmmmm ......

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

They Say All's Fair
And In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We'll Get It Right
And We'll Be United

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility

Mmmm .....

And Someday I Know It'll All Turn Out
And I'll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I'll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get Than I Get Than I Get

Oh You Know It'll All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get

I Said Love Love Love Love Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Love Love Love .....
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

In The Trenches.

There is nothing more exciting then discovering forgotten purchases in your inventory. Six months away from SL has made this a new trend for me. I may be showing items that have been available in-world for a long time, but they are just as good now as ever, and maybe more-so, they may remind you of some of the hidden gems you haven't worn since last season. This AOHARU Simple Trench Coat is a perfect example. I pulled it on, and just adore the almost gunmetal steel blue color of it, it got me working to pull a great look together around it.



I picked up a great black shirt at Surf Couture yesterday, and decided to add a dash of something new, it is the "I'm A Little Bit Country" top, which comes in too many great colors, but I chose the black one on a whim. I pulled on the amazing (Kari & TW) Black New School Jeans, and a simple pair of stockings from Petit Ange in Black. Both wardrobe staples for me. When I went looking for boots, I was thrilled to find these ETD Shoes Kristen Booties in an almost perfectly matched color to the Trench Coat. Instead of going with a necklace, I opted for this amazing *Sprawl* Dotty Scarf, just a nice detail, and scripted for color change. I heart me some *Sprawl*.



Pulling in some other accessories, I went with a great bag from Baiastice, a ring with scripted color change stone from (Luc) Fashion Jewelry, and a fabulous watch from (Caroline's). The (Caroline's) Jewelry Rock Candy Watch has 3 band color options, including a hot pink, three metal options, and the ability to turn brightness on and off. It actually functions, the hands turning and ticking through the hours. I really love the way it looks on, and it is jazzy enough to be a great bracelet substitute.

Another wig I loved at first sight has been waiting for me to wear since the Hair Fair. Sari's Hanami Dreads come in a beaded and un-beaded version, I chose the plain version this time. It is adorable, not too crazy big, and I love the loose dreads, so funky. The skin is a favorite from -AnaLu-, the lashes are Lelutka's Thora Lashes, and the eyes are the brilliant but no longer available Miriel. So now I am back to rediscovering what is actually hiding in my giant *NEW* folder, and you never know what I am going to come up with next. Back to the trenches folks.

Shopping Details:
Coat – AOHARU_BT_Simple Trench Coat (Gray)
Shirt – [SC] Surf Couture, I’m A Little Bit Country (Nighttime)
Jeans – (Kari & TW), New School Jeans (Black)
Scarf – *Sprawl*, Dotty Scarf (Scripted Color Change)
Socks – *an* Petit Ange, knit_tights_black_socks
Shoes – ETD Shoes, Kristen Bootie (Steel Blue)
Bag – Baiastice by Sissy Pesoa, Borsa 21 (Hand)
Watch – (Caroline’s), Rock Candy Watch (Scripted)
Ring – -EARTHTONES- now (luc), Solitaire Ring Multi/Silver
Hair – Saris’s, Hanami Dreads Black (Plain)
Skin – -AnaLu- *InRainbows* Nat13 .brownish.
Eyes – Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel)[No Longer Available]
Lashes – MMS/Lelutka, Thora Lashes

A Trip To Moscow.

It is no secret that I love shoes, but just as in my RL, it is boots that really get me going. When I was in high-school, I lived in heeled boots, cowboy boots, or fryers. I was such the bad-ass rocker chick. I still love boots, and when I received a gift of these amazing review copy boots from *REDGRAVE*, the Moscow Boot I had to log and try them on. The minute I had them rezzed on my feet I was in love. The amazing fur texture, the buckles, and a perfect fit from minute one. I decided to build a whole outfit around them. I chose the Pure Black pair, although they come in at least 5 variations.



I have been hanging on to this great coat from :bijou: since last season, as I often do, I hadn't even tried it on, but when it matched the boots so perfectly, I knew I was on to something. This is the Avanti style in Black Rabbit. Rather then try to layer the look up, I simply went with a great pair of Tartan Tights from Maitreya. I couldn't resist pulling on *KessKreations* Festivus Ring, the name makes me laugh, and a great pair of Art Deco Earrings in Onyx from Bliesen & MaiTai. Both are scripted to customize metals and gem colors, something I adore in Jewelry. I found the bag in my Review Copies folder, have no idea how long I have had it, but Wanda's 'Tania' Handbag was a perfect match as it is scripted to ting, and I matched it to the Jacket with a click.



I have a folder full of hair from the last Hair Fair, which was just before my 'break' from Second Life. I dove in and found this amazing (fd)Dorothy's Morning wig, it has a sleek look, but is soft and has a very realistic strand texture. I loved pairing it with this Fleur Vivant Blush Dig Ophelia 3 Skin, the beauty mark made me feel a touch like Dita Von Teese. I wore my favorite [Detour] Love Lashes and the fabulous but no longer available Miriel Realistic Eyes in Muted Hazel.

Something about the whole combination of soft fur textures and the lovely softness of the wig just worked for me. It is a simple look, but it is really sleek and refines. The tights add just enough colour to keep it from being too monochrome. Yesterday, when I logged to blog, I did something I haven't done in over 6 months in SL, I shopped a little. It was just a little, but it felt strange and kind of good in that people watching, waiting for things to rez sort of way. Maybe I will see you out on my next trip, if I can muster the nerve to brave the lag again.

Shopping Details:
Coat - :bijou:, Avanti {Black Rabbit)
Tights - Maitreya, Tartan Tights (Wine)
Boots - *RG* REDGRAVE, Moscow Boots (Pure Black)[RC]
Bag - Wanda's, 'Tania' Handbag - Silver/Blue (Script Tinted) [RC]
Ring - *KessKreations*, Festivus Ring (Right Hand)[RC]
Earrings - Bleisen & MaiTai Art Deco Earrings Onyx [RC]
Hair - (fd), Dorothy's Morning (Earth Pack) - Nothingness
Skin - Fleur, Vivant Blush Dig Ophelia, 3
Lashes - [Detour], Love Lashes
Eyes - Miriel, Realistic Eyes (Muted Hazel)[No Longer Available]

Lucky.

I wasn't sure I would ever blog again, I have been having a rough go of things health wise, and have really been hibernating with a stack of books and a lot of pain medication. Since getting off the pain medication as I prepare for possible surgery, I consider myself lucky to have broken a semi-serious addiction and now have to get myself ready for a fight. I have been thinking about how lucky I am to have the friends I do, and the support I get when I need it. To be honest, although this look is holiday party perfection, I have had my avatar dressed like this since July, I kid you not. No need to change if you aren't in-world seeing anybody. But I love this look, and wanted to share it, as the holidays are coming and it's time to get cozy for the winter.



This ::eLDee:: dress is simply adorable, I love the watercolor look of the skirt, and the satiny bodice, the bow in the back is adorable. It comes in several other sweet color combinations, and costs next to nothing. I matched it with similarly spectacular [Detour] Metallic Red Pumps, and grabbed up a sweet handbag from Pampered Princess that I have had forever. The wood bangles are from M.R.M., and they are simply great, click to customize the color of each bangle individually, and they work with everything.



I adore these dramatic Wing Lashes from Cake, they are so party pretty. This hair was one I picked up back at the Hair Fair this summer, another fabulous big wig from Diversity Hair. The Daphne style has a colour change headband, and is really sexy. Skin is from *REDGRAVE* and eyes are from Freak Fantasia.

So back to lucky. I am lucky to have supportive friends and loved ones, and there is a song that has been positively thrumming through my head lately when I am feeling good, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colby Caillat. So here it is, for all of those who need a smile today. Thanks for letting me back onto your blog feeds, not sure how regular this will be for me, but if we are all lucky it won't be too long. *wink*



Shopping Details:
Dress - ::eLDee::, Amyna (Red)
Heels - [Detour], Glamour Metallic Pumps (Red)
Bangles - M.R.M., Colored Wood Bangles *Trio* (L & R, Scripted)
Purse - Pampered Princess, Leather Purse (Honey)
Hair - Diversity Hair, Daphne (Charred Black)
Lashes - Cake, Wing Lashes (Tintable)
Eyes - Freak Fantasia, Glassy Mustard Green Eyes
Skin - *REDGRAVE*, Emma2 Tan Skin/*red*